Improvement in match-boxes



"greatest projection at the lower end.

UNITED STATES OLIVER H. HICKS, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

IMPROVEMENT lN MAT/CH-BOXES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. [77,837, dated May 23, 1876; application filed I March 23, 1876.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, OLIVER H. HIcKs, of thecity of Baltimore and State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Match-Boxes, of which the following is a specification; and I do'hereby (le-l of the match-box against which the matches are struck to ignite them, and in the'arrangement of the striker with reference to the pockets or receptacles for the matches, as will here inafter fully appear.

In the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a front view of my improved match-box; Fig. 2, a transverse section of the same on line an and Fig. 3, a plan ofthe invention.

Similar letter'sof reference indicate similar partsin all the figures.

A A are the pockets or receptacles for the matches, connected by the striker B, and with it secured to the back plate 0, by means of IlK'BtS passing through lugs a, or'they may be cast with the plate, in order that the entire match-box shall consist of .a single piece. The striker B is a roughened plate, attached to and between the pockets A, in an inclined position with reference to the back plate,'and with the The up per end of the striker is preferably constructed 7 to come into close contact with the back plate, so as to allow of the greatest possible angle with a given projection at the lower end.

By placing the striker in the inclined position described, less force is required to ignite the match, the friction being increased as'the match is drawn toward its lower edge. The

ignited match is also brought sufficiently far from the wall to prevent its being discolored by smoke and flame, and the danger of the ject is to not only provide a striker in the use of which the friction is'greatly'increased, but also to construct-the box so that the two pockets A shall guide the match over the ignitingsurface or striker.

The lower projection of the striker affords a convenient place below for a nail attachment of the box I0 the wall; and while both pockets may be used for the reception of matches,

itis proposed alsoto use one'pocket for holding the struck matches or stubs.

' Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and wish to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

As a new article of' manufacture, a matchbox having the back plate 0, the vertical side pockets A, and the outward-inclined striker c, placed'centrally between said pockets, constructed substantially as herein specified, and for the purposes described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this lst day of March, in the year of our Lord, 1876.

- OLIVER H. HIOKS.

Witnesses:

WM. T. HOWARD, J NO. T. MADDOX- PATENT OFrIcE. 

